Rugby world mourns death of former Australia forward Vickerman aged 37
Former Australia lock Dan Vickerman has died aged 37, former club Waratahs have announced. The ex-brumbies and Waratahs player, who made 63 appearances for Australia, died at his family home in Sydney and is survived by wife Sarah and two sons.
The South Africa-born forward, who spent a season with Aviva Premiership side Northampton, retired from the game in 2012, with his last international appearance coming in the semi-final of the 2011 Rugby World Cup. After retirement he worked for the Rugby Union Players’ Association.
RUPA chief executive Ross Xenos said in a statement that appeared on Waratahs’ official website: “On behalf of all players, we extend our deepest sympathies to Dan’s young family at this difficult time. We are truly shocked and united in our despair.
“Dan was universally respected by his peers and the rugby community during and beyond his playing days.”
Waratahs CEO Andrew Hore said: “The shockwaves of his tragic passing will be felt right across our rugby community. Our thoughts are with his wife Sarah, their two sons and other friends and family during this difficult time.”
Vickerman could have made more appearances for the Wallabies had he not taken a threeyear break from international commitments while he studied at Cambridge University, where he competed in two varsity matches against Oxford.
Tributes came from all corners, with a tweet from the New Zealand team’s account reading: “The #Allblacks join the rugby family in mourning the passing of former Wallabies lock Dan Vickerman. Rest in Peace.”
England coach Eddie Jones, who coached Australia and Brumbies in his homeland, said: “On behalf of the RFU and myself, I would like to send my condolences to Dan Vickerman’s family, Sarah and the two kids.
“He was a wonderfully-committed team player and a good guy. He will be sorely missed by the rugby community.”